Taste NY knocks it out of the park: Minor League Baseball partnerships across NYS bring local food & beverages to more than 1.2 million fans

On opening day for many teams, Taste NY highlights local food and beverages offerings in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Capital Region, Hudson Valley

√ 2023 season scored more than $5.7 million in sales for Taste NY Producers; expanded partnerships in 2024 build on success

Submitted by New York State Agriculture and Markets

Taste NY’s partnership with five Minor League Baseball teams across New York is a home run, bringing the very best of New York’s local food and beverages to more than 1.2 million fans at stadiums across the state – and giving a boost to New York agriculture.

On opening day, and throughout the season, for many Minor League Baseball teams, New York’s “Eat Local, Drink Local” program will be showcasing delicious, locally made favorites and exciting promotions at the Buffalo Bison, Rochester Red Wings, Syracuse Mets, Hudson Valley Renegades and Tri-City ValleyCats stadiums. These partnerships provide an opportunity to boost sales for over 60 participating vendors and increase their exposure to consumers.

In 2023, Taste NY’s partnerships with teams brought more than $5.7 million in sales to New York farmers and food and beverage producers, with expanded partnerships launching in 2024 aiming to build on that success.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “A baseball game isn’t complete without a hot dog and a cold drink, and New York makes some of the best food and craft beverages in the country. Through our Taste NY partnerships with teams across the state, fans can try these delicious products and so many others, while enjoying America’s favorite pastime. This initiative is a true home run – it’s great for small ag businesses, a treat for fans, and a boost to local economies. I encourage everyone to enjoy a game and a ballpark snack from Taste NY this spring and summer!”

In 2024, Taste NY is again partnering with the Buffalo Bisons, Rochester Red Wings, and Syracuse Mets, who open for the season today. Taste NY is also partnering with the Hudson Valley Renegades and Tri-City ValleyCats, who will have their opening days later in the season on April 5 and May 10.

The program’s plans for an exciting 2024 season include:

•Buffalo Bisons at Sahlen Field: In 2024, Taste NY signage will be posted on concession stands and menus across the ballpark, spotlighting Taste NY producers. Taste NY is also proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Bisons’ “Eat Local Day” event (date to be announced). New this season, Taste NY will sponsor the Bisons’ “Twosdays” home games, where fans will receive two-for-one tickets if they mention Taste NY at the box office.

In 2023, 500,000 fans attended games at Sahlen Field. Taste NY products offered at the stadium included:

√ Craft beverages from 12 Gates Brewing Company (Williamsville), Blackbird Cider Works (Buffalo), Big Ditch Brewing Company (Buffalo), Bully Hill Vineyards (Hammondsport), Community Beer Works (Buffalo), Ellicottville Brewing Company (Ellicottville), Pressure Drop (Buffalo), Resurgence Brewing Company (Buffalo) and Southern Tier Brewing (Lakewood)

√ Charlie the Butcher beef sandwiches (Buffalo)

√ Original Pizza Logs (Gainesville)

√ Sahlen’s hot dogs, Italian sausage and fried bologna (Buffalo)

√ Upstate Farms ice cream (multiple locations)

√ Additional local New York products sold at games included La Nova pizza slices (Buffalo)

Many of these same producers will offer their products at Bisons games in 2024, along with a rotating selection of new vendors, including Taste NY participants Hartman’s Distilling Company (Buffalo) and McCullagh Coffee Roasters (Buffalo), and additional local New York products from Constanzo’s Bakery (Cheektowaga). The Bisons’ line up of New York state craft beverages is also known as the “Buffalocals.”

•Rochester Red Wings at Innovative Field: In addition to Taste NY concession signage found throughout the concourse and in the ballpark, Taste NY will be a presenting sponsor of both the Dugout at First Base and the new Dugout at Third Base bars this year. Also new in 2024, Taste NY will take over the L-Bar on more than 50 televisions located at concession stands on the concourse and in suites to spotlight New York state foods and beverages, and the Taste NY program through ads and other promotions.

In 2023, 437,560 fans attended games at Innovative Field. Taste NY products offered at the stadium included:

√ Craft beverages from Three Heads Brewing (Rochester), Big Ditch Brewery (Buffalo), Black Button Distilling (Rochester), Brooklyn Brewery (Brooklyn), Dr. Frank’s Winery (Hammondsport), Ellicottville Brewing Company (Ellicottville), Genesee Brewing Company (Rochester), K2 Brothers Brewing (Rochester), Brewery Ommegang (Cooperstown), Resurgence Brewing Company (Buffalo), Rohrbach Brewing Company (Rochester) and Young Lion Brewing Company (Canandaigua)

√ Perry’s Ice Cream products (Akron)

√ Zweigle’s hot dogs (Rochester)

Additional local New York products sold at games included Captain Lawrence Brewing Company beverages (Elmsford) and DiPaolo Baking Company products (Rochester).

Many of these same producers will offer their products at Red Wings games in 2024, along with a rotating selection of new vendors, including Taste NY participants BlackBird Cider Works (Buffalo), Blake Cider (Wolcott), Blue Barn Cidery (Hilton), Clarksburg Cider Co. (Lancaster), Four-Mile Brewing (Olean), Hamburg Brewing Company (Hamburg), Ithaca Beer Co. (Ithaca), Saranac Beers (Utica) and Woodcock Brothers (Wilson); and additional local New York products from Belt-Line Brewery (Buffalo) and Thin Man Brewery (Buffalo).

•Syracuse Mets at NBT Bank Stadium: Building upon a successful relationship from previous years, the Taste NY cart in the concessions area and Taste NY’s outfield sign are being updated this year. Also new this season will be “Taste NY Tap Takeovers” that will feature Taste NY craft beverages. The program will also have a large menu board at the NBT Bank Stadium “Hops Spot Beer Garden” for the first time, spotlighting locally made beers and hard ciders from New York.

More than 336,000 fans attended NBT Bank Stadium events in 2023. Taste NY products offered at the stadium included:

√ Craft beverages from 1911 Hard Cider (Lafayette), Meier's Creek Brewing Company (Cazenovia), Saranac Beers (Utica), Thousand Islands Winery (Alexandria Bay) and Utica Club Beer (Utica)

√ Hofmann hot dogs, Snappy Grillers, and sausages (Syracuse)

√ Perry's Ice Cream products (Akron)

√ Recess Coffee beverages (Syracuse)

√ The Pierogie Guy pierogies (Rochester)

Additional local New York products sold at games included craft beverages from Eastwood Brewing Company (Syracuse), Heritage Hill Brewhouse (Pompey), Middle Ages Brewing Company (Syracuse) and Willow Rock Brewing Company (Syracuse), as well as products from Caz Tortilla Company (Syracuse).

Many of these same producers will offer their products at Mets games in 2024, along with a rotating selection of new vendors.

•Hudson Valley Renegades at Heritage Financial Park: Taste NY was a presenting sponsor for four games in 2023, during which the Hudson Valley Renegades adopted the moniker: the Hudson Valley “Cider Donuts.” This alternate brand identity began in 2023 and reflects the fall season in the Hudson Valley, recalling the taste and smell of freshly made cider doughnuts. It was a creative way to expand brand recognition for Taste NY while also promoting New York producers and products. Taste NY plans to be the sponsor of the Cider Donuts again in 2024.

Taste NY products offered at Heritage Financial Park in 2023 included:

√ Craft beverages from Awestruck Cider (Sidney), Blue Line Brewery (Saranac Lake), Paradox Brewery (North Hudson) and Sloop Brewing Company (East Fishkill)

√ Sahlen’s hot dogs and sausages (Buffalo)

Additional local New York products sold at games included craft beverages from Benmarl Winery (Marlboro), Cooperstown Brewing (Milford), Faith American Brewing Company (Margaretville), Frog Alley Brewing (Schenectady), Millhouse Brewing (Poughkeepsie) and Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company (Catskill), as well as products from Pizza Phil (Fishkill).

Many of these same producers will offer their products at Renegades games in 2024, along with a rotating selection of new vendors.

•Tri-City ValleyCats at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium: The ValleyCats concessions offered a variety of New York State products in 2023, with many sold at the Taste NY kiosk on the concourse. Digital and in-stadium promotions directed fans to visit the kiosk and beverage garden, and New York brands were showcased at other locations in the stadium. In 2024, Taste NY will also once again be the official sponsor of the newly expanded beer garden and kiosk. The kiosk will have new signage and Taste NY branded high-top tables for patrons. Taste NY vendors will also be promoted in conjunction with at least three events at “The Joe,” such as Fall Fest, Hops & Hits, and Around the World in 9 Innings.

More than 166,000 fans attended ValleyCats games and special events in 2023. Taste NY products offered at the stadium included craft beverages from Albany Distilling (Albany), Brotherhood Winery (Washingtonville), Galway Rock Winery (Ballston Lake), Nine Pin Cider (Albany), Saranac Beers (Utica) and Swedish Hill Winery (Romulus), as well as products from Saratoga Springs Water (Saratoga Springs).

Additional local New York products sold at games included craft beverages from Brown’s Brewing Company (Troy) and Heron Hill Winery (Hammondsport), as well as products from Oboy Baking (Saratoga Springs), and Warrior Corn (East Nassau).

Many of these same vendors will offer their products for sale at ValleyCats games in 2024, along with a rotating selection of new vendors.

Buffalo Bisons Vice President for Food Service Operations Robert Free said, “There are so many great local food items that are unique to Buffalo and Western New York, and it’s important for us to celebrate and provide those great local flavors to our fans at Sahlen Field each season. Great tasting food and drinks have always been a part of the ballpark experience, and working alongside Taste NY to showcase Western New York products is an integral part of what we do.”

Rochester Red Wings Director of Ticket Operations Mike Ewing said, “The Rochester Red Wings are thrilled to not only continue but also expand upon our partnership with Taste NY in 2024. Having worked with them since 2016, we are proud of the growth we have made with local products over the last several years. We are excited for a great 2024 and look forward to the future of this partnership.”

Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol said, "We are so proud of our partnership and involvement with Taste NY. Learning about the wide variety of products available to us and our fans grown and made right here in the great state of New York is fantastic. We are proud to serve more and more New York products here at NBT Bank Stadium.”

Tri-City ValleyCats Vice President and General Manager Matt Callahan said, "The start of baseball season is a sure sign of spring and a critical time of year for many New York state producers. Showcasing local food and beverage offerings at our venue is an excellent way to engage our fans while also supporting members of the community. Our partnership with Taste NY has been instrumental in building these relationships and supporting the success of New York state vendors as well as our team. There's nothing better than local fans enjoying local products!"

About Taste NY

Taste NY highlights the quality, diversity, and economic impact of food and beverages grown, produced, or processed in New York state. Taste NY aims to create new opportunities for producers through events, retail locations, and partnerships, such as at The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse and the PGA Tournament in Rochester. Over more than 10 years, Taste NY has supported nearly 2,000 food and beverage producers participating in the program through retail outlets, events and sponsorships. In 2022, 311 new producers were onboarded to the program through New York's welcome centers. Taste NY's food and beverage businesses also support the state's farmers by using New York-grown and -produced ingredients in their products.